If I'm understanding to what you are suggesting I do is: If I run furring strips front to back 16" OC, drywall left to right?
What I failed to mention this is a ceiling for the first floor in a 2 story house. What I had done in the kitchen was run furring strips front to back, drywall left to right with 4x8 sheets, some spots I still notice because I know where they are.
That's why I would like to use 4x12's with 3" towards the front that wont be noticed when I'm done. I'll take off the plaster then lath, find out how much the lift would cost to rent. I only have 6 sheets to put up for 2 rooms.